Jesus Reigns

These scriptures explain how Jesus reigns. He didn't do it by himself.

(Excerpt from The Life Cycle)

Matthew 4:1-11

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.

Jesus accepted the baptism AND God's word. He allowed the Holy Spirit to guide Him. This represents the place in our lives where we are called to leave our worldly desires behind.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth (1) out of the mouth of God.

This represents Satan's attack as soon as Jesus decided to answer the call. He tempted Jesus with Jesus' circumstances.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Jesus repeatedly defended Himself from Satan's attacks because He knew and understood and obeyed His Father's word. The proper elements were in place.

Notice in the next verses that the Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert. Satan led Him to the high places!

1. Study God's word.

6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God (2), and him only shalt thou serve (3).

(Be aware of the fact that Satan can quote scriptures too!!! Make sure you know them better!)

Jesus finally exercised His authority over Satan. How did He do it? With the Word of God. Not just quoting it, quoting and obeying it.

2. Worship God only.

3. Serve God only.

11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him (4).

Jesus entered God's rest.

4. Rest

It was after this, that Jesus was able to begin His ministry, or fulfill his destiny! He had absorbed God's word, worshiped God, submitted His life to God, and something new and beautiful had begun. God had begun to live through Jesus. The Kingdom of God was at hand. People were healed.

I mentioned that Satan took Jesus to the High Places. I think this is the same temptation we are all faced with, even when we think our intentions are good. We are always tempted to try to get ahead for ourselves and make a name for ourselves. If we can just learn to follow these simple steps, God will take care of the rest. (End of Excerpt)

To sum it up, Jesus reigns because He let God reign in his life. Jesus reigns in your life only when you let Him. Learn how to let Him.